The top six security mistakes everyone makes, according to a former burglar

Being burgled is a horrible feeling and a former burglar has shared the six common security mistakes homeowners often make.

Jenny Radcliffe is a thief for hire (not what you think) and a professional con artist.

Their job is to find weak points in home security systems so that homeowners feel safe.

As a teenager, the Liverpool player often broke into public spaces “just for fun”, without any criminal intent.

“There was a big, old, empty house on the corner, a beautiful old house,” he told inews.

“We were testing ourselves to see if we could get in, not to steal anything. Just to have a look because we were bored.”

Jenny Radcliffe is a thief for hire. (Instagram/@realpeoplehacker)

After meeting a footballer in a bar twenty years ago, she made the decision to use her powers for good.

“He asked us to test the new security system at his house,” he said. “I managed to get in just by talking to his cleaning lady.

“People don’t suspect me because I don’t seem threatening. But you never know if someone is who they say they are.”

Jenny says these are six things homeowners should avoid:

1) Oversharing on social media

While many of us love to pretend we’re seasoned jet-setters on social media, Jenny has warned us against it.

The expert thief said: “People don’t realise that their online life is connected to their physical property.

“Every time we go on vacation, we post it on social media. It’s not common for there to be a sign on the front door saying ‘this house is unoccupied,’ but we do have it digitally.

“Thieves scour Facebook community pages for details about people.”

Don’t make these six mistakes. (Getty Images)

2) Not protecting your CCTV system

She said: “Information is tracked and shared by providers, and any connected device can be hacked and this is a concern, as long as you look after your own security and privacy around the actual device.

“They are a good overall tool for home security, as long as people don’t see them as a substitute for alarms, other precautions, and general common sense. Remember, burglars hate being stopped, making noise, and see them, so anything that meets one or all of these characteristics is very welcome.

3) Leave tools unattended and with easy access.

Leaving a ladder outside your property is just asking for trouble, Jenny says.

She warned: “I’ve seen houses where they’ve left ladders outside or open garages full of equipment that could be used to break in.

“Look for ‘operational openings,’ such as weak locks or windows. These are what we call security weaknesses.”

Jenny knows what she’s doing. (Instagram/@realpeoplehacker)

4) Trusting your neighbors or cleaning staff too quickly with a spare key

The expert says it is important to get to know your neighbors first before giving them a spare key.

If you wouldn’t give your key to a stranger on the street, why would you give it to the stranger who lives next door to you?

5) Forget simple deterrents

It’s always worth making it look like you’re home, even when you’re not.

Having your lights programmed to make it look like someone is home is a good idea, and not leaving all the blinds closed can also help.

6) Have foliage around the house that can be used for hiding.

If you are in the process of being burglarized, be sure to maintain a spacious perimeter around your home if possible.